1st United Methodist Church Weekly Update - January 28, 2022 |
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FOLLOW US & JOIN US THIS SUNDAY FOR WORSHIP LIVE AT 9:15 & 11 AM
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This Sunday: January 30, 2022 |
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Message: "Awake, O Sleeper!"
Pastor Mike Loomis
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ALPHA is coming in February! |
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ALPHA will be starting a new class on February 9th that will meet each Wednesday evening from 6 pm to 8 pm in Lenox Hall. This class will run until April 6. There will be dinner, a video and discussion each week. Watch for more details to follow and we hope you will plan to join us. For more information, please contact Myrt Creigh at fumcpgmc@gmail.com. Registration deadline: February 5 |
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Help for ALPHA is needed!
Alpha is in dire need of volunteers. We are holding Alpha Feb. 9th through March 30th and need table hosts and kitchen help. Without these volunteers we’ll not be able to proceed with Alpha, an important outreach program to nominal Christians and unbelievers. Please contact Myrt Creigh at 941-661-8059 or email fumcpgmc@gmail.com now.
Joyfully His, Myrt
I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength. Phil. 4:13
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This picture of Pastor Jose and his wife Addis, from Sancti Spiritus Cuba, shows the six duffel bags of medicines before they were loaded to be carried to Cuba. They contain 248 pounds of medicines provided by our church with just ten days notice. The Bargain Boutique provided substantial support as time was short. |
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Brother Tom to you, your team, Pastor Mike and the whole Church, our greatest gratitude for everything you have done for us on this visit, you surprised us with such a good response to our needs in such a short time. Thanks again.
God bless you very much, our prayers with you,
Pastor José
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United Way of Charlotte County’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will be providing FREE income tax assistance to individuals and families with a household income of $66,000 or less at 1st United Methodist Church beginning February 3rd.
Tax preparation services will be held at the church every Thursday from 1:30 pm - 6:30 pm through April 7. Interested individuals and families can call 941-421-7100 to be added to the appointment list.
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Mark your calendar for the Town Hall meeting opportunity - Sunday, February 6th from 2pm - 3:30pm in the Sanctuary. Join Pastor Mike and Craig Holcomb for a short presentation and discussion on the future of the United Methodist Church. |
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Dear 1st Church Members and Friends,
We want to thank you for your generous gifts that we received this Christmas!
We are grateful for your expressions of love and thoughtfulness.
And, we look forward to serving and loving Jesus alongside you in 2022.
Yours in Christ,
Your 1st Church Staff
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2021 Contribution Statements |
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2021 Contribution Statements have been mailed to your email on file with the Church Office.
If you need a printed copy, please call the Church Office and ask for Denise, Ext. 226, OR email me at Denise@whatis1st.com with your request.
Thanks for all your contributions!!
Finance Office
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Feed the Harbor - February 27 |
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Save the Date!! Feed the Harbor will be Sunday, February 27 from 8:30am - 3:30pm.
Our church will be serving at the Punta Gorda Crossing Publix location. (Airport Road)
Feed the Harbor is co-sponsored by several local churches in partnership with Publix Supermarkets. Charlotte County churches working together to fill Charlotte County food pantries!
20-25 volunteers are needed to make our participation a success. We will have a morning shift, and an afternoon shift. Volunteers hand out shopping flyers with the items needed, collect the food being donated, sort it into categories, then move the food to the pallets. Dress casually & wear sneakers! The local food panties come and pick up their food at the end of the day by 3pm. You can sign up to help with Feed the Harbor HERE.
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Receive Texts from 1st Church |
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1st Church Family... We are trying to improve our communication within the congregation and also looking for a way to keep everyone seeking devotionals each day. If you would like to receive daily devotionals from 1st Church or receive important communications, please sign up by calling the church office 941-639-3842. This will allow us to text you these messages and make it easy for you to receive them. |
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Greetings 1st Church friends --
Well, winter arrived in Florida! I really can't possibly complain about these few days of chilly weather, when I talk to my sister in my hometown and it's 14 degrees below zero! I try to explain that temperatures in the 40s or 50's can be "brutal " for us hot house flowers. It's all relative.
Speaking of flowers; I'd like to remind you that altar flowers can be ordered and purchased for a fee of $60 for two arrangements. This is a loving way to honor a loved one on important dates. Stay tuned for additional information, but in the meantime, contact me with questions at my email below. Also, I ask you to examine your hearts and pray about volunteer opportunities on our campus. These can include help during worship as greeters or ushers, assisting with the Children's ministry activities, and/or any of the various events that that take place on our campus. Currently we are looking for help with the Alpha class that is coming up. Helping in any way not only helps us, but you receive wonderful blessings!
I want to thank everyone who has asked me in recent days about my health issues and ongoing journey. I am doing better since my ER trip over the holidays. But of course, new problems bring the need for new specialists, who I met with yesterday. I continue to be so blessed by the many people who pray for me! My prayer was again answered in that the new physician is wonderful, kind, and I felt very confident in his treatment plans. We will see what testing shows, and I've already begun increased communication with God-- in silent prayers, in whispers, and in shouts of praise. It's such an amazing thing to me that my increasing prayer life has shown me that when life becomes bumpy, I don't need to panic! God is always with me. I never feel alone. Do I worry? Sure. But I realize that when I worry and get upset, I used to slack off my prayer time. I read something in a Max Lucado book once that Jesus prays for us. Amazing! When Peter was about to be severely tested by Satan, Jesus said "I have prayed for you that your faith should not fail".(Luke 23;32) When we forget to pray, He prays for us. When we are full of doubt, He is full of faith. We are truly blessed.
I'm praying for you!
Rosie Young
Worship Coordinator
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The Eighth Note – Music Ministry in a Minute! |
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Greetings Everyone,
The beginning of the new year is a great time to consider joining the Handbell Choir and Chancel Choir. We are always looking for new talent.
The Chancel Ringers rehearses on Wednesdays at 6:30PM in the Life Center. The ability to read music is necessary.
The Chancel Choir rehearses on Thursdays at 6:30PM in the Historic Sanctuary.
Please contact David Bellows for more information.
Soli Deo Gloria!
David Bellows
Director of Music Ministries
This Sunday’s Music: January 30, 2022 - 11:00AM Service
Prelude: Fairest Lord Jesus – A.D. Miller
Opening Hymn: 258 O Wondrous Sight! O Vision Fair
Offertory Anthem: Be Thou My Vision – R. Shephard
Closing Hymn: 173 Christ, Whose Glory Fills The Skies
Postlude: Tuba Tune in D Major – C.S. Lang
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Discipleship Opportunities |
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View a complete list of groups at 1st Church HERE
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Beth Moore Study - Begins February 3, 9am |
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You are invited to join us for our Beth Moore Study. It will begin February 3rd and end March 17th. This year it will be only a 7 week study. We will be studying a Beth Moore Study “STEPPIN UP” which is a study of the Psalms of Ascent, Psalms 120-134.
This study is shorter than ones in the past, so those who don't want to tie up 11 weeks, may like the 7 week study.
These Psalms were essential for worship and praise in the Old Testament times. We hope to come to a place of greater intimacy with God who delights in our praise and worship with Him.
The books are $20.00 which will be collected at the first session. You may register below or look for an application at the entrance of the Life Center or in Lenox Hall and drop off in office.
Please contact Karen Grant 941-815-2929 with any questions.
Look forward to seeing you there!
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Discovery Bible Study - Now on Zoom |
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The Discovery Bible Study began a new study, "The Truth Project" on January 17, 2022. Discovery Bible Study meets on Mondays from 10-11:30 am on Zoom.
"The Truth Project is a ground-breaking small group curriculum on the Biblical worldview. This video-based Bible study is the starting point for looking at life from a biblical perspective. Join Dr. Del Tackett, as he takes you through 13 engaging video lessons on the relevance and importance of living the Biblical worldview in daily life, featuring insights from biblical experts like R.C. Sproul, Os Guinness and Gordon Pennington."
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A gathering of men who seek a more complete Christian understanding of the teaching of Jesus. Men of Faith meet in Lenox Hall on Thursdays from 9-10:30am under the leadership of Pastor Bill Grant. The group uses the daily study guide, My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers, as a start for each weeks' discussion. The daily study guide is available free at the gathering. Many of the group come from other churches, so invite your friends. |
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2022 Bible Reading Schedules |
We want to encourage you to join us as we once again read through the Bible. Start your new year off right by committing to read God's Word!
Download the 2022 reading guide HERE.
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Worship Service Information |
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If you are planning on attending our services please remember the following:
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Masks are now optional for those that are fully vaccinated.
- Social distancing is still encouraged. Families may sit together, but please leave three seats between you and others not in your family.
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If you are feverish or not feeling well, we ask that you stay home and join us online on our Facebook and YouTube channels.
At this time, you may only enter the Life Center through the main entrance facing the Fellowship Hall courtyard. All other exterior doors will be locked. We'll see you Sunday!
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Please note: The 8:00am service, January 30 will meet in the Sanctuary. |
Join us this Sunday at 8 am for Praise in the Park! Open to everyone, this is your opportunity to join us for "in-person" worship as we enjoy God's scenery from the lawn of the beautiful Gilchrist Park Pavilion, weather permitting of course. If it is or has been raining (or is too cold), Praise in the Park will relocate to our historic Sanctuary. Time may not always be sufficient to get the word out, so in case of inclement weather, please proceed to the Sanctuary.
Please plan to bring your lawn chairs and/or blankets, and, yes, we will be asking you to practice social distancing. Don't forget to join our "Praise in the Park" group on our Church App! As a reminder, our outside services are always subject to change due to the weather. Please make sure you are connected with us through the app, our email list, or social media to receive our updates concerning schedule changes. See you Sunday for Praise in the Park!
Praise in the Park is currently scheduled to continue meeting at Gilchrist Park through Easter 2022.
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FOLLOW US & JOIN US THIS SUNDAY FOR WORSHIP LIVE AT 9:15 & 11 AM
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Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9am - 4pm
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